" A wise man hears one word." Translation exercise.

Question

Un sabio oye una sola palabra, pero entiende dos.

A wise man hears one word , but understands two.

Please correct my spanish . And try to explain the meaning behind this proverb.

Very interesting one, Ray. - annierats, Mar 17, 2012

thank you annierats , so what is your take on it ? - ray76, Mar 17, 2012

Answer 1

Un sabio escucha a una palabra pero siente dos.

This is my feeble effort, thinking that escuchar/ sentir may fit better, he listens, he takes in the one but perceives the meaning of unsaid words?

Possibly it should be in the subjunctive..

I shall be very interested to see how a native puts it.

That is quite possibly a good interpretation of the meaning , do you think that if we are too literal we inhibit different interpretations ? - ray76, Mar 17, 2012

I don't know Ray, but I like trying because I learn a lot of new words, if nothing else. - annierats, Mar 17, 2012

Answer 2

Un hombre sabio oye sólo una palabra, pero entiende dos.

You can also say "Un sabio oye sólo una palabra, pero entiende dos."

Thanks mate , i have taken full note of that . - ray76, Mar 17, 2012

I agree...it can just be "sabio" for "wise man" ---no need for the word "hombre." - --Mariana--, Mar 17, 2012

Thank you Mariana , eres una sabia. - ray76, Mar 17, 2012